Paramore bandleader Hayley Williams responded to those who accused her of reading a written speech speaking out against Trump during her band’s performance at the iHeart Music Festival.
According to People magazine, Hailey revealed on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, September 22, that a user questioned her about “reading the script” and asked if she was “paid or blackmailed” to denounce the former USA president during her performance.
She wrote to the person asking the question that she had typed the speech and had a crew member hold it up to the camera so she could do it if she got nervous, because what she had to say was very important and she didn’t want to mess up the moment.
Hailey clarified that she “stopped watching it though… it was because I prepared.” The singer went on to say that not only was she not paid to give a speech, but the band was also not paid to perform during the event. She added, “Thank you so much for your concern and spelling my name correctly, bye!”
During her appearance, she maintained reality in her speech and said, “Project 2025 is Donald Trump’s strategy to control and punish women, poor people, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.”
The singer said it’s time for all Americans to unite and “defeat Trump’s agenda.” She said the only way to do that is to confront him at the polling booths. She asked the audience if they want to live in a dictatorship. Hayley urged people to vote during the election.
While she made a strong statement during her set, she also made a fashion statement. The singer wore a blue outfit and a headband of the same color, which seemed inspired by 70s fashion.
Along with them, several other artists also made headlines for their respective performances that lit up the stage during the said grand event including The Weeknd, Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, Halsey, Keith Urban, Shabooji, The Black Crowes, Thomas Rhett, Camila Cabello, Big Sean, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and many more.
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